10 Medicinal Benefits of Marijuana

The medicinal use of marijuana goes back to ancient times, it has been made into medicines and used to treat a number of ailments.

While marijuana use can have some potential adverse health effects, there are also many health issues than can greatly benefit from the use of marijuana. Not only is marijuana used medicinally in humans, CBD oil is also used medicinally in dogs, with great benefit.

1 . Treat glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease which springs from pressure being placed on the optic nerve. Glaucoma can cause serious vision loss, even blindness.

The method of treatment for glaucoma is to release this pressure, in order to stop damage being inflicted on the optic nerve.

This is where marijuana comes in, as a very effective treatment option for glaucoma. Marijuana reduces pressure in the eye, halting damage to the optic nerve.

2. Help control epileptic seizures

Epilepsy medication doesn’t work for many of those suffering from epilepsy, up to one third of those in fact.

Anecdotal evidence shows that cannabis oil could help many of those suffering from epileptic seizures.

There is clinical evidence to show that CBD can help specific epilepsies, such as Lennox Gastaut syndrome and Driver syndrome.

The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to grant the licence for CBD, in order to treat these epilepsy disorders.

3. Kill and stop cancer cells from spreading

Studies have shown that cannabis is able to kill some types of cancer cells. But it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean that cannabis cures all cancers, but it has been proven to have activity against some cancers.

While it’s important to make the distinction between the activity against cancer cells and curing cancer, it is a testament, in itself, to the healing powers of marijuana.

4. Mitigate Symptoms of PTSD

Traditional treatment for PTSD involves the use of SSRI’s (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which help by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

But SSRI’s are often ineffective and can have dangerous side effects.

It’s no surprise that people are seeking alternative therapies for PTSD. Using marijuana to mitigate the symptoms of PTSD can help reduce anxiety, thanks in large part to CBD. This untangling of anxiety helps in allowing PTSD sufferers to heal. Cannabis also can stop nightmares and improve insomnia.

5. Stimulates appetite in anorexia, AIDs and cancer patients

The “munchies” is a well known weed phenomenon. Thankfully, marijuanas characteristic of making it’s users want to munch on everything in sight, is actually a mechanism that can be used in people who require a stimulated and increased appetite.

Anorexia is generally accompanied by other anxiety disorders, so the healing effect of marijuana on anxiety disorders may also provide relief on a deeper level, reducing the underlying causes of their anorexia.

6. Alleviate chronic pain

One of the most common reasons for doctors prescribing marijuana is to alleviate chronic pain.

Although weeds analgesic properties are poorly understood, studies have shown that marijuana does increase a patients pain threshold.

It is thought that marijuana’s analgesic properties may be driven by an affective component, rather than a sensory one.

7. Prevent alzheimers

Brain inflammation is thought to be a major contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease. Both THC and CBD have potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs and ibuprofen can be damaging to the liver and kidneys, so suitable alternatives are deeply valuable. CBD has very limited side effect and numerous studies show that CBD stunts the abilities of Aß plaques to induce inflammation.

CBD also protects brain cells by reducing the activation of microglia.

8. Help with Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an illness characterised by inflammation of the small intestines. It can be a debilitating illness causing severe physical and emotional pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and more.

Marijuana helps by reducing the inflammation of a crohn’s flare up.

9. Decrease Anxiety

While THC can actually increase anxiety in individuals, CBD oil can helps those with anxiety and better equip them to deal with the constant stream of worrying, anxious thoughts.

Studies have shown that not only can cannabidiol lower anxiety, but can also help reduce symptoms related to a wide range of physiological conditions.

The human body has an inbuilt system designed for processing cannabinoids, it’s called the endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in the bodies ability to keep a healthy inner balance. CBD can help in regulating mood, sleep and even appetite, having a pass-over effect on anxiety levels.

10. Relieve Arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints, and it’s more common than you might think… around 12% of Americans have arthritis. The symptoms include stiffness, swelling around the joints, fatigue and restless sleep.

Cannabinoids are potent anti-inflammatory agents, they can reduce inflammation up to 20 times more effectively than aspirin.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and caryophyllene are the two cannabinoids in particular that have been in the research spotlight. They both work by activating the endocannabinoid system’s CB2 receptors. The CB2 receptors are found throughout the body and help in regulating inflammation.